“We have so far received three applications from specialized international companies to support the ministry in implementing its English language program for government schools,” he said.

On Monday, the Council of Ministers approved starting English language education at government primary schools from Grade IV from the next academic year (2011-12).

“It will be a basic subject and follow the same criteria as other subjects,” a Cabinet statement said, urging school authorities to appoint qualified staff to teach the language.

Al-Roumi said the teaching of English at an early stage would have a great impact on students in learning the various sciences and developing their innovation skills. “It will also help transfer our knowledge to other communities and speed up propagation of Islam,” he said.

Al-Roumi said the Cabinet decision would contribute to improving English language education at government schools in the Kingdom, especially at intermediate and secondary levels through the development of curriculum, training of teachers and application of modern teaching methods.

“The ministry will follow all measures taken to improve English language studies at government schools,” he said. “We have already experimented with the teaching of English at Grade IV and V of some primary schools during the last two years,” he added.

A number of teachers and parents contacted by Arab News said the teaching of English language at Grade VI in the first phase was successful. They added that it enabled the students to grasp the language quickly.